Lesson 1

Culture and
Communication
 “
Define intercultural
1 communication
(EN11/12OC-Ia-1);
➜ LEARNING
COMPETENCIES
Show sensitivity to
one’s culture, gender,
2 age, social status, and
religion. (EN11/12OC-Ia-
7.1-7.5).
● define intercultural communication; and
● show sensitivity to one’s background.
Why is knowledge of one’s culture important in
effective communication?
1. Bring out a sheet of paper and a pen.

2. Answer the following questions:

a. What is culture?
b. What other cultures do you know about? Focus on
general culture and beliefs.

3. You have two minutes to create a short write-up of

your answers.
 Vocabulary Words
culture
the customary beliefs, values, and attitudes of a
racial, religious, or social group
intercultural communication
What Hannah loves the most about traveling is communication between individuals who have different
learning about other countries’ cultures. cultures

self-awareness The job of a diplomat is to ensure that the intercultural

communication between state dignitaries goes
an understanding of one’s self and place in society smoothly.

Louis showed a lack of self-awareness of his own taken aback

privilege when he said that poverty would be solved if
the poor would just get jobs. to be shocked or surprised, particularly by something said
or done to you.
exasperated Charlene was taken aback when her brother announced that
irritated or annoyed he was engaged to his girlfriend, whom he had only been
dating for six months.
James was exasperated by the noise his
classmates were making while they were visiting
a Buddhist temple for their field trip.
Culture
● the system of knowledge that is shared by a particular
group composed of a relatively large number of
individuals
● When you identify yourself as being part of a particular
culture, you should not only share certain characteristics
with members of that group, but you should also be able
to observe yourself and others like you who possess these
features and distinguish others who do not have them as
members of a different culture.
Through communication with others, culture is created,
learned, and shared. Without communication, there is no
way of preserving and transmitting cultural characteristics
from one person, place, and time to another. In turn, our
culture influences the way we communicate with others.
Hence, there exists a dynamic relationship between culture
and communication. This is known as intercultural
communication.
To engage in intercultural communication, participants
should essentially understand the concept of self-
awareness.

Self-awareness is essential for better communication with

others, especially with those who are different from you.
Knowing who you are and in which cultural and social group
you belong will enable you to relate better to others and to
show sensitivity to them. Also, the way you communicate
with others is largely influenced by your view of them.
Take a look at this example:

While eating at a noodle restaurant with her Japanese host family,

Jessica stuck her chopsticks into the bowl while she took a break from
eating in order to chat with other children her age. She noticed that
the children looked uncomfortable, while the adults looked
displeased.
Take a look at another example:
Kyle is being introduced to the paternal relatives of his half-Italian best friend,
Sandro. He greets Sandro’s grandparents with a pleasant “ciao.” The grandparents
seem taken aback at first, though they greet Kyle warmly before going back to
their business. Puzzled at the reaction, Kyle turns to Sandro, who is giving him an
exasperated look.

Kyle: What? Did I say something wrong?

Sandro: You greeted my grandparents with “ciao.” You should only use that
greeting with close friends or people our age.
Kyle: Oh, really? I’m sorry about that. What should I have said?
Sandro: Since it’s evening, you should have said “buona sera.”
 Identify the term that would best complete each sentence
below.

1. _____________ is the system of knowledge that is shared by a

particular group composed of a relatively large number of
individuals.
2. _____________ is communication between individuals who
have different cultures.
3. Through _____________ with others, culture is created, learned,
and shared.
 “
4. There exists a dynamic _____________ between culture and
communication.
5. To engage in intercultural communication, participants
should essentially understand the concept of _____________.
6. Knowing who you are and in which cultural and social group
you belong will enable you to relate better to others and to
show _____________ to them.
7. When you identify yourself as being part of a particular
culture, you should share certain _____________ with members
of that group.
8.-9. Without communication, there is no way of _____________
and _____________ cultural characteristics from one person,
place, and time to another.
10. The way you communicate with others is largely influenced
by your _____________ of them.
A. Follow the directions per segment and answer the
questions that follow.
1. In the situation, who do you think made more of an effort at
good intercultural communication?
2. In the narration, Sarah teaches Mark the appropriate use of
the wai. She first demonstrated the gesture when she
encountered the monks. Which use of the wai did she
demonstrate?
3. How do you think Mark demonstrated his own effort at
good intercultural communication?
4. As a tourist, what do you think Sarah did to prepare for
their trip to Thailand to ensure good intercultural
communication?
5. What was the main benefit of Sarah’s studying of the
culture before they went to Thailand?
B. In three to five sentences, write about what you
would do to prepare for a trip to another country to
ensure that you will have good intercultural
communication with the locals.
 Values Integration

As a senior high school student, how does learning

about intercultural communication prepare you for
possible study and career opportunities abroad?
1. Group yourselves into threes.
2. Line up to receive your assigned country from the teacher.
3. Research the customs and etiquette of your assigned country,
either at the library or online.
4. Come up with a script for a skit set in the country assigned to
you that will allow you to use what you learned about
intercultural communication.
5. The skit should only be five minutes long.
After all of the performances are done, reflect on the following
questions:
a. How did you feel about doing research on the culture of the
country assigned to you? Was it interesting?
b. What were the similarities of that country’s customs to ours?
How about the differences?
c. If you encountered a tourist in our country who acted rudely,
how would you feel about it?
d. Why do you think it is important to learn about a country’s
culture and customs before visiting it?
 Assignment
1. Think about the country you would most like to visit.
2. Do research on that country’s customs and rules of behavior.
3. Pretend you own a travel agency specializing in that country.
4. Create a brochure for prospective tourists detailing important
details about the country. It should include the following:
a. What are some basic greetings tourists should know?
b. What are the most important customs tourists should keep in
mind?
c. What are some unique points of dining etiquette for the
country?
5. The brochure must be printed or crafted on a size A4 paper. It can
have illustrations or graphics.